Texans’ Arian Foster ready, waiting for more carries

Whenever the Texans want more Arian Foster, the three-time Pro Bowl running back is ready.

Foster said Thursday he’s definitely open to carrying the ball more, but understands the team’s coaches have a long-term plan this season, which involves initially splitting rushes with backup Ben Tate.

“I’m feeling good. My body feels good,” said Foster, who leads the Texans in rushing yards (190) and carries (49). “I’m ready to go whenever they want to let me go. But you’ve got to be patient and trust coach.”

Texans offensive coordinator Rick Dennison acknowledged Wednesday the team will reach a moment where it has to make a decision about how it handles the Foster-Tate duo and “whatever happens, happens.”

“I think we’re progressing to a point,” Dennison said.

Foster recorded 18, 19 and 12 carries during Weeks 1-3. Tate carried the ball nine times each contest.

Through three games last season, Foster had 79 rushes for 294 yards, including two of three contests with at least 105 yards. He also led the NFL in touches last season and didn’t play this preseason due to injuries, which pushed the Texans to initially limit his workload.

Asked at the end of a media interview about his desire to carry the ball more now that three regular-season weeks have passed, Foster carefully chose his words.

“I’m going to go ahead and say I feel like I can do what I’ve been doing for years and I’ll leave it right there,” Foster said.